Monday, March 29, 2010

That Dress (aka Simplicity 4653)

The dress was finally finished last week. It involved a decent amount of hand sewing, which is something that I am not very good at. But it was passable, and is also proof that practice can make perfect (though I am not very willing to get it perfect, that would require way too much practice!)
The pattern is one of my Grandma's and from what I could work out, is from sometime in the 60's. My Grandma originally made the long dress, I liked the red one :)


I had to do a few modifications, like take the front of the bodice in a bit at the top, and take about 6cm off the waist seam (I am guessing I am quite short in the waist!). I also added a smidge to go over my hips, so it wasn't clingy. All in all, it worked out well.
I made it from raw silk, which was interesting to work with, I had to interface the bodice, and all the seams and darts. I also fully lined it (another thing I have never done). I am glad I did it, to say that I have made a formal dress, but I am certainly in no hurry to make another. Some of the photos were taken after we got home, as the before ones, the dress was a bit scrunched up - so hence the swing set and no shoes or makeup :)





I think hubby scrubs up rather well too - poor bloke had to wear a tie for the occasion - first time I have ever seen him in one - and we had to go and buy it specially. :)


Look at that zip! The seams match up perfectly! I am very proud of this zip. (Sorry for the white bit at the top, seems the flash decided to overexpose my underarm lol)



Oh, and I needed a bag to match, but none of my black ones were quite right, so I dug out a zip, shortened it to the length I wanted, and made a bag with some leftover fabric :)



Cheers!

13 comments:

Crafty Mama said...

Liz, you two look gorgeous, and that dress..STUNNING!

zofia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carolyn said...

thats absolutely georgeous!!

zofia said...

Stunning Liz! That dress is divine. I love the colour on you.
You and hubby make a gorgeous couple.

JulieT said...

Wow!!!! what a wonderful job using that lovely old pattern You have made it beautifully that fabric is divine and you look so classy! Congratulations!

cherri said...

GREAT job - how gorgeous to make a dress that your grandmother once made!

Kirsten said...

The dress looks absolutely beautiful Liz - and lovely on you. You must be so chuffed!

Kylie said...

Well done it looks great - Love the colour it looks great on you. Glad that you both had a great time.

Marie said...

Well done. You have done a fabulous job on your dress.

Kat said...

Fantastic!! You look stunning!

Gilly said...

Love this Liz well done!

Sally said...

Stunning.
What a gorgeous dress. You're one super talented and super stylish woman. Wonderful. Well done!

PS - were you flashing that zip to people all night? I would have been if I'd sewn something so fine.

Bianca said...

Sensational job!! that is just the right colour for you too. I love scarlet!